Wild things

If you haven't been to the zoo in a while, here are about a million reasons why you should go right now.

{p,h,f,r} baby quail edition

Sometimes I am shocked by my own self-centeredness.  Caring for my children is so demanding that I forget the world is full of wonderful and interesting people and I often miss out on getting to know them because I'm lost in my own stuff.

My friend Loyce invited me to bring the children to visit her Quail farm this week....  So I said, "Sure... wait... your what?!"  Yep, she raises quail by the thousands.  This is something you would think I would know.  Nope, not me.  I'm working on it.

Well, the kids had an amazing time and I am so grateful that Loyce invited us and gave us the tour.

                  {pretty & real}

My goodness, it's a real farm.  She's a real farmer.  Go figure.

First, we visited the baby birds that were just a few days old.  My goodness they were cute and tiny!

Ms Loyce gathered a handful of babies for Zadie to hold.

Zadie was so precious.  She really treasures all animals.

The birds were so little I was scared to death that Rosie would hurt one, but she stayed close to mama and was very gentle.

I think Zadie would still be sitting there loving those birds if I hadn't forced her to leave.

Besides, there are a lot more fun things to do in the country than just pet birds.  Here are Andy and Zadie riding on the back of the gator.  (Probably Andy's favorite part of the day)

Would you believe Loyce let him drive?!  Yep, his ship had come in!

Okay, I've tried to narrow down the rest of the pictures so that this post won't be ridiculously long, but I have failed.  I just love them all.                              {Happy}

{happy, happy, happy}

                                  so {happy}

    {funny}

The sky opened up for a quick Alabama thunderstorm.  The kids got soaked, but I stayed dry.  Now that's funny :)

Not sure the quail feels the same way; you should have heard it chirping to get loose!

Now free and dive bombing Andy's head....  {funny}

I love this picture, you can see Zadie's smile even in silhouette

Thanks for staying with me through all those pictures (are you still there?)  If so, head over to ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com and share your contentment. 

Lake fun

Our church has had an amazing summer of children's ministry.  I can't believe how many fun things my kids have gotten to participate in and I know they have learned so much.  VBS, Choir camp, church camp, and tons of trips and activities.  Here we are celebrating all the fun we've had and bracing ourselves for the school year ahead.

Hannah, Zadie, and Millie having lunch together.  Wouldn't you like to know what they were talking about!

Here go the girls- Allison, Georgia, and Bekah

Not to be outdone, the goofy boys!

Here is Hunter being so sweet and taking the little girls for a ride.  Hannah and Zadie can't reach the pedals just yet.

And oh, my little beach bum.  Content where ever you put her.

Andy loved cruising the lake in the kayak

Rosie, still being adorable :)

Now, you know that if there is a creature creeping about, Zadie must capture it and show it a little lovin'

Here she is stalking a terrified little toad

Ready to pounce

Victory!  Now gimme a kiss!

I'm so grateful for all of the awesome friends and family who teach, guide and love my children.  I know they wouldn't be the people who they are without all of you, and I think they're pretty special.  So thanks for pouring out your specialness on them, goodness knows Dave and I couldn't do it alone!